What’s Happening in August?

What's Happening In August?

Film festivals, art exhibitions and new brews to get you through the final weeks of winter.

The final month of winter is upon us, which means there’s only thirty days left to carve yourself out a cosy winter getaway in the beautiful Margaret River region. From incredible food and wine events to special deals to keep the good times flowing throughout winter, there’s no shortage of reasons to schedule in a winter escape in this glorious corner of the world this month.

While CinefestOZ happening later this month is one of the biggest events on the region’s calendar, it’s not just the major events that are worth travelling for. Once you’re here, there’s a whole host of community events and well-kept secrets to uncover too. Whether it’s checking out the amazing artwork and photography of local creatives, learning how to shuck oysters with one of the region’s most prevalent chefs, or sipping on one of the region’s oldest brewery’s newest beers, you might find yourself so busy you forget it’s even winter.

Deals Deals Deals | 1 – 31 August

Make the most of what’s left of winter with some seriously good specials that’ll help you experience the region in all of its winter glory. From enjoying premium wines and tasty eats to getting adventurous out in the region’s incredible natural landscape, and everything in between, there are lots of special offers to be taken advantage of when you download your Winter Play Pass from the App store this season.

Vasse Felix

You read right. Your Winter Play pass can take you to one of the region’s most beautiful wineries to enjoy wine and charcuterie for two for just $48. Relaxing by the fire in Vasse Felix’s contemporary Wine Lounge is what winter afternoons are made of!

Aravina Estate

Found an excuse for a cheeky mid-week getaway to the Margaret River region, and now searching for the perfect place to lunch? Allow us. Or rather, allow Aravina Estate, who are offering a two-course lunch and glass of ‘A Collection’ wine for just $55 per person!

Bushtucker Cave & Canoe Tour

For those who aren’t scared off by a little wintry weather, the guides at Bushtucker Tours are waiting to take you on a uniquely Australian, nature-based tour that visits amazing heritage sites, caves and Boogaloongar Island… for $20 cheaper than usual. Yep, it’s a whole day tour including lunch that’ll only set you back $75.

New Works at Margaret River Gallery | 1 – 7 August

Check out some small works by renowned West Australian artists Ken Wadrop, Jon Challen and Jane Martin at Margaret River Gallery this week. Featuring works with a focus on rural WA, Fremantle Harbour and everyday life, the ‘New Works’ group show is a testament to the beauty in the unexpected. It’s been running throughout July already and this is your last chance to see it!

Tidal: Winter Exhibition at Black Brewing Co | 5 August – 31 August

Launching on Sunday 5th, Black Brewing’s Winter Exhibition ‘Tidal’ features work from local artists and fine art photographers Gordon Becker, Tim Kerr, Paris Hawken and Josh Garner, who beautifully capture the South West in all of its winter glory. At the launch, enjoy live music from Nu Ohm and from 3pm, delicious brews and perhaps a grazing of the brewery’s new menu.

Possum Pale Ale | 3 August

Brewhouse Margaret River has collaborated with Nature Conservation Margaret River to release a Possum Pale Ale. No Possums were harmed in the making of this tasty brew, in fact throughout August and September, $1 from every pint of Possum Pale will be donated towards Nature Conservation’s programs helping to protect the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum. Pull in a for a pint of preservation!

Inquest Reveal Party | 5 August

Colonial Brewing Co are ready to launch their exciting new seasonal beer, brewed under their annual ‘Inquest’ project. They’re saying this year’s beer is strong and bold, and you can be among the first to try it at the Reveal Party happening Sunday 5th August – conveniently aligned with the brewery’s new Slow Cooked Sundays, meaning you can also chow down on soft buttery rolls full of tender slow cooked beef brisket for just $10. If that’s not a match made in heaven, what is?

Rustico Cooking School | 6 August

Head on an international foodie adventure this August by joining Rustico Head Chef Mike McAlister as he demonstrates how to create some delicious Rustico-inspired dishes. Over 2.5hours at Rustico Cooking School, he’ll have you cooking, learning and – of course – feasting, as you learn how to shuck oysters, craft scallop ceviche, perfect your pork crackle and whip up paella that tastes straight out of Spain. All with a few vinos along the way, of course.

CinefestOZ | 22 – 26 August

Celebrate over ten years of CinefestOZ with a jam-packed program of Australian and international cinema, sidebar events and spectacular galas. Australia’s premier destination film festival, CinefestOZ offers the country’s richest prize to an outstanding Australian feature film at the festival, meaning the calibre on show is high. Film lovers can enjoy more than 150 screenings and events, all while soaking up the region’s incredible natural landscape, food and wine. A superb getaway!

Now you know what you’ll be doing, you’ll need somewhere to stay.

About Emma Pegrum

Emma is a freelance writer, photography hobbyist and an experienced communications and content coordinator. She currently works as Content Coordinator for the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association which combines her love of written and visual storytelling with her love of travelling this beautiful region!